In this episode of Business In Focus, Amanda sits down with Cushla Reed, founder of the beloved New Zealand fashion footwear brand Minx. From her early days growing up on the Kapiti Coast to running a nationwide business based in the heart of Onehunga, Cushla’s journey is anything but ordinary.

She shares how she got her start in her stepfather’s shoe factory, the bold leap she took launching Minx with her sister in 2000, and the near-collapse of the business after a disastrous joint venture in Fiji. 

With candour and humour, Cushla talks about resilience, creativity, and the powerful moment she received a surprise cake and a handwritten note from a stranger.

This conversation is a celebration of women in business, design with heart, and the kind of fearless reinvention that defines so many Onehunga businesses.

SOCIAL LINKS:

• Follow Amanda Wellgreen on LinkedIn.
• Follow Business Onehunga on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
• Follow Onehunga FM on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this episode of Business In Focus, Amanda sits down with Sonia Haumonte, founder of Vaniyé Patisserie, a boutique French pastry business that’s operated in Parnell since 2012 and recently expanded into Onehunga. 

Sonia shares her incredible journey from a childhood in a family-run restaurant in Chiang Mai Thailand to training in France as a pastry chef, and ultimately building an award-winning patisserie in Aotearoa.

Sonia touches on the challenges of adapting to different communities, staying true to artisanal values in a trend-driven food culture, and why she believes great pastries are about passion.

You’ll also hear how Vaniyé’s new Onehunga location was a full-circle moment, the importance of leading by example in the kitchen, and why Sonia insists on closing Sundays despite the financial cost. Her insights into leadership, burnout, and building a values-driven business are honest, heartfelt, and inspiring.

Whether you're into French pastries, entrepreneurship, or community-minded business, this episode is a treat.

SOCIAL LINKS:

• Follow Amanda Wellgreen on LinkedIn.
• Follow Business Onehunga on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
• Follow Onehunga FM on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

Nicky Davis didn’t set out to run a gym - but when her sister asked her to help open F45 One Tree Hill, she brought her teaching instincts and deep care for people into the fitness world. Six and a half years later, the studio has become more than a place to work out: it’s a vibrant, ego-free community that reflects the heart of Onehunga.

In this episode, Nicky shares her journey from early childhood education to becoming the operational force behind one of New Zealand’s top-performing F45 studios. She talks about navigating business challenges like COVID lockdowns, building a team culture based on trust and openness, and the unique character of Onehunga as a business hub.

We also hear about leadership lessons, bust some myths about fitness (especially for women), and what it takes to maintain a supportive gym environment in a changing suburb.

SOCIAL LINKS:

• Follow Amanda Wellgreen on LinkedIn.
• Follow Business Onehunga on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

Follow Onehunga FM on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this episode of Business In Focus, Amanda Wellgreen sits down with Jonathan Milne, managing editor of Newsroom Pro and host of the Powder Keg podcast.

A longtime Onehunga local and respected figure in New Zealand media, Jonathan opens up about his life in journalism, the changing landscape of the industry, and the importance of building public trust in a digital world.

Jonathan shares stories from his early days - including interviewing Jacques Cousteau as a child - through to leading one of the country’s top paywalled media products. He also reflects on the value of authentic engagement with readers, why journalists (and businesses) must confront arrogance, and how the microcosm of local community life in Onehunga is a window into wider New Zealand society at large.

SOCIAL LINKS:

• Follow Amanda Wellgreen on LinkedIn.
• Follow Business Onehunga on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
• Follow Onehunga FM on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this episode of Business Onehunga, Amanda Wellgreen steps into the colourful world of Arkham City Comics with owner Jeremy Bishop.

What began as a passionate side hustle has become a destination retail store in Onehunga - a comic shop that’s survived through changing tastes, rising costs, and the ever-shifting sands of pop culture.

In Jeremy’s mind the comic book business is about much more than just selling issues - it’s about creating a place where people feel like they belong. From the realities of running a retail store in the age of online shopping, to the importance of staying authentic in both your business and branding, Jeremy opens up about what it takes to build something meaningful, local, and lasting.

SOCIAL LINKS:

• Follow Amanda Wellgreen on LinkedIn.
• Follow Business Onehunga on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
• Follow Onehunga FM on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this episode Amanda Wellgreen chats with Allen Cho, the owner of Auto Central Cars at 232 Neilson Street, Onehunga. 

Allen shares the remarkable story of his life and career, from his childhood split between Korea and the United States, to his unexpected path from studying engineering and pre-medicine to building one of Onehunga’s most trusted car dealerships.

Allen talks candidly about the lessons he’s learned in business - from navigating customer expectations to the importance of offering genuine, pressure-free service. He opens up about the realities of the used car market post-COVID, why car prices are rising, and how international events are impacting local businesses here in New Zealand. 

We also hear about what it’s like working alongside his partner Sarah, the value of community connections, and why treating every customer with respect, regardless of appearances, has become a core philosophy at Auto Central.

It’s a conversation full of warmth, real insights, and a genuine love for business and community - and a perfect reminder of why Onehunga is such a vibrant place for small business owners to thrive.

In this episode, Kate Bacchus of HR Butter shares her journey from the hustle of hospitality to the heart of HR consulting. Along the way, she reflects on memorable brushes with celebrity, the winding path of her education, and the early life moments that shaped her leadership style.

Kate offers her insightful take on what HR really is (and isn't), busting common myths and explaining why respect matters most - especially when business decisions get tough.

We dive into the power of self-awareness, the art of building authentic professional networks, and how to stay grounded while balancing work and life.

Rooted in Onehunga, Kate also speaks to the strengths of the local business scene, championing community connection and sustainable growth as key to long-term success.

SOCIAL LINKS:

• Follow Amanda Wellgreen on LinkedIn.
• Follow Business Onehunga on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
• Follow Onehunga FM on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this episode, Kris MacGregor - founder and director of MyHome Renovations - shares what he's learned over 30 years in the building industry and nearly two decades of business based right here in Onehunga.

Kris talks through his journey from apprentice to business owner, how he and his wife Barbara have built a trusted renovation company, and why resilience, systems, and trust have been key to their growth.

He also reflects on the challenges of leading through economic downturns, building a strong team culture, and staying grounded in a suburb he still considers his 'business home'.

Whether you're in the trades, running a small business, or just curious about the people shaping Onehunga’s built environment, this episode offers insight, honesty, and a few laughs along the way.

SOCIAL LINKS:

• Follow Amanda Wellgreen on LinkedIn.
• Follow Business Onehunga on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
• Follow Onehunga FM on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

In this episode, Anna Jackson - director and manager of Gow Langsford Gallery - discusses the gallery’s recent expansion into its new secondary premises right here in Onehunga.

Anna shares her journey through the art world, from studying at Auckland University of Technology to working with both renowned and emerging New Zealand artists. Her work has even brought her into contact with music legends like Paul Simon and Sting.

She dives into the operations of the new Onehunga space, how it has reshaped the gallery’s business model, her approach to staff development and leadership, and Gow Langsford’s growing involvement in the local community through events and charity partnerships.

Anna reflects on the importance of adaptability, relationship-building, and the nuanced balance of professional and personal life.

SOCIAL LINKS:

• Follow Amanda Wellgreen on LinkedIn.
• Follow Business Onehunga on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
• Follow Onehunga FM on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram

Join Amanda Wellgreen as she sits down with local business leader Firas Mudafar who's come to be known locally as 'Ross'. 

As the owner of Onehunga Family Pharmacy and a business coach, 'Ross' shares his unique journey from his origins in Iraq to his long-time role in the Onehunga community.

He discusses the challenges of adapting a city business model to a significantly different context, the importance of personalized service, and the value of continuous learning.

'Ross' also reminisces about his childhood, his mother’s dedication, and his favorite movie. The conversation delves into the importance of networking, mentoring, and staying clear-eyed on the value you provide to your customer.

SOCIAL LINKS:

• Follow Amanda Wellgreen on LinkedIn.
• Follow Business Onehunga on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
• Follow Onehunga FM on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram